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Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023: best small or specialist UK institution

We look at the winner of the WUSCA 2023 small or specialist UK institution category. 

Sam Smith
by Sam Smith
Last Updated:
27 Apr 2023

Each year, 35,000 reviews for universities across the UK are submitted to Whatuni, and it’s these very reviews which form the basis of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards. It’s a chance to celebrate the marvellous things unis do for students, a give students a voice to help future students find their perfect place in education. 

This year, the winner for the Whatuni Student Choice Awards small or specialist UK institution category was Norland College

“Norland has amazing student support from all staff which is accessible whenever a student may need additional help. The lectures are engaging using a variety of teaching methods and environments. The staff listen to what the students may wish to adapt such as including breaks in lectures. Overall, Norland is incredibly supportive as well as encouraging.“ – Student review on Whatuni 

Read more reviews on Norland College 

Take a look at Norland College's profile 

The other nominees in the small or specialist UK institution category were: 

  • Arts University Bournemouth  
  • Arts University Plymouth  
  • BIMM University  
  • Futureworks  
  • Leeds Arts University  
  • Norland College  
  • Norwich University of the Arts  
  • Point Blank Music School  
  • Royal Agricultural College  
  • London Institute of Banking & Finance 

What to look out for when considering a small or specialist university or college 


There are smaller institutions across the country that offer students the opportunity to pinpoint what they want to do during their educational career and tackle it at a specialist university. This can be in subjects like art, music, drama, technological sciences or veterinary medicine, for example. These institutions will often work with people from within the industry, allowing students to develop their practical knowledge and experience. Smaller class sizes can make the experience feel more personal, building a sense of community among the students. 

See the rest of the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards winners right here. If this has got you in the mood for some uni research, we don’t blame you – use our course search or university search to start looking for the perfect place to study, then read reviews from real students for some in-depth insight. 

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